Kodi boxes are sure to have been a popular gift under trees around the country this Christmas.

The app has become a popular choice for people who want to watch copyrighted material, including Hollywood movies and TV box sets, for free.

But is it legal to use? Here’s what you need to know.

Is Kodi legal?

While there are many streaming apps on the market, Kodi - formerly XBMC - is the best-known at the moment.

Kodi is essentially a media player that can be downloaded and used on various devices to organise and enjoy video, music and other media.

That in itself is perfectly legal.

So what’s the problem?

(Image: Daniel Law/PA Wire)

There are a number of kits on the market by major names like Apple, Amazon and Google, that allow consumers to legally stream internet content on their TV.

What’s happening is, people are buying these kits from independent traders, often on sites like eBay, that have been pre-loaded with Kodi, plus lots of Kodi add-ons and plug-ins that enhance its function.

Some of these add-ons are of questionable legality and give users access to copyrighted material, such as Premier League football, pay per view boxing, and the latest blockbusters.

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Will you be prosecuted for watching or selling these kits?

Authorities say it is illegal to modify these kits to receive such material.

A potentially landmark case to keep an eye on is that of Teesside trader Brian Thompson - one of the first ever prosecutions relating to the sale of Android or Kodi boxes.

He has vowed to fight the case - with a pre-hearing earmarked for January and a two to three-day trial pencilled in for May - but if found guilty it could spark a wave of prosecutions and effectively outlaw the kit.

If not, it could mean the powers that be decide against any further court cases - meaning the boxes are effectively legal.